With the arctic blast we’re all feeling, we’ve had several calls about what people can do to help their neighborhood cats through the winter. It doesn’t have to be expensive to provide safety and shelter to outdoor cats.

Food:
Keep dry food protected from moisture. This could mean putting it in a sheltered place, or elevating it above the level of the snow. Keep in mind that wet/canned food will freeze just like water, so keeping dry food out in the winter is the best option.

Shelter:
Shelter is the biggest concern for outdoor cats. These cats, the ones that have been outside for more than one winter, acclimate to the low temperatures and put on extra padding for the winter just like any other outdoor mammal, however sometimes that just isn’t enough. You can give them a boost by constructing a simple and affordable shelter. Alley Cat Advocates has put together a great step-by-step shelter tutorial that would be a fun weekend project. It’s simple enough that even your kids can help you! Get the PDF download here: http://alleycatadvocates.org/assets/ACA-winter-shelter.pdf

Medical Care:
If you see a sick or injured cat that needs medical care, you can either take the cat to the vet on your own, knowing that it will be at your expense, or you can contact your local animal services agency and find out what they can provide for sick or injured stray animals.

In Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo County Animal Services & Enforcement can pick up the cat, or you can bring it to the shelter at 2500 Lake St. The cat will not be returned to the colony, but it also won’t be suffering. Friendly stray cats that can be treated can be pl aced for adoption, however feral cats will likely be euthanized.

The most important thing you can do for a neighborhood with a stray cat problem is SPAY and NEUTER! By eliminating the possibility of future litters of kittens, you can manage the cats that are already there without having them destroyed.

Happy “First Day of Licensing Season” Day! This is a reblog from our 2016 licensing guide but all the same information still pertains for 2017. For questions about licensing your dog, feel free to ask us or contact your local animal services agency. Happy licensing!

You remembered to buy a leash and collar, dog food and treats, toys, cute little booties and jackets for walks in the rain and snow, a snuggly blankie and dog bed, flea prevention, 15 different sized and textured balls, a car seat if it’s a little fella’ and all of its shots are up to date. What could possibly be missing? The Dog License! Which, ironically, is one of the cheapest things you need to purchase for your dog.

A dog license, much like a car registration or fishing license, is one of those things that the State of Michigan requires by law. It isn’t optional, and the penalties can get pretty expensive if you are caught without it.

The State of Michigan wrote into law that each county is responsible for selling and maintaining record of every dog license. These licenses are to be purchased…